Iran has dismissed claims by United States President Donald Trump that fresh negotiations between Washington and Tehran were set to begin, insisting that no direct talks with the US are currently taking place.
The denial comes after Trump announced that negotiations would resume on Monday as part of efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflict between both countries, which has now entered its sixth month.
Speaking during a weekly press briefing, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, rejected the claim, saying Tehran’s current diplomatic engagement is with Oman, not the United States.
“We are not currently negotiating with the United States. Our negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” Baqaei said.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Major Sticking Point
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, has remained a key issue in efforts to end the conflict.
Since the outbreak of the war, Iran has tightened control over the waterway, insisting that vessels use routes close to its coastline while proposing new conditions for passage.
However, Baqaei clarified that ongoing discussions with Oman are aimed at finding a mutually acceptable shipping route and should not be interpreted as an agreement to fully reopen the strategic waterway.
“We are now going to reach an understanding on a route acceptable to both sides… one that respects the sovereign rights of both sides and safeguards our national interests and security,” he said.
Trump Says Talks Begin Monday
Despite Iran’s denial, President Trump maintained that negotiations would begin on Monday afternoon and would focus on the Strait of Hormuz as well as Iran’s nuclear programme.
“Now what we’re doing is we’re talking to them in the form of a negotiation. It begins tomorrow afternoon,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
The US President also claimed he delayed launching fresh military strikes after requests from Iran and regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
According to Trump, the proposed attack would have been “the biggest attack since World War II.”
However, Iranian state media rejected the claim that Tehran appealed to Washington to halt further strikes.
Peace Efforts Continue Despite Uncertainty
Although previous diplomatic efforts produced temporary ceasefire agreements, fighting has repeatedly resumed, leaving uncertainty over whether a lasting peace can be achieved.
Meanwhile, Iranian lawmaker Hassan Ghashghavi disclosed that mediators are working to revive the US-Iran memorandum of understanding reached in June, describing the Strait of Hormuz as the most critical issue in the ongoing discussions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also weighed in on the crisis, urging the country to ensure that any agreement reached is respected.
“We must strive to compel the enemy to remain committed to what it has signed,” he wrote on X.
While President Trump insists fresh negotiations are underway, Iran maintains that no direct talks with the United States are taking place, leaving the future of diplomatic efforts uncertain.
Source: AFP.
